Aerial toy



A ril 9, 1963 B. SUNRAY 3,

AERIAL TOY Filed April 18, 1958 2 SheetsSheet 1 Fir-2e INVENTOR. Bernard Szznrag BY mm L BM Ai-Zornej B. SUNRAY 3,084,475

AERIAL TOY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 9, 1963 Filed April 18, 1958 e d 4 .v .5 5 8 a 1 .3 4 P 4 3 x 8 R T m w 1.@.,.fif\n\ 3% m w 5 mm m: ...i||llli his 32:1 \A l. E W f 3 8 J J n 6 4 r f a I Y B 5% 1 m Q m 3,684,475 AERIAL TGY Bernard Sunray, S. Ocean Ave., Center Moriches, N.Y. Filed Apr. 18, 1953, Ser. No. 729,477 8 Claims. (Cl. 4&-74)

This invention relates to aerial toys and particularly to toys wherein separable parts are separated after the start and during the flight of the toy.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved aerial toy having progressively operating propulsion devices whereby one separable element, as the base element, will be provided with a motor which will be powerful enough to propel the entire air-borne device in flight until the power of the motor of the base element is substantially spent, after which the motor of another element is started and the air-borne flight elements leave the base element to continue their flight.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a toy wherein a plurality of air-borne elements are provided with successively operable motors, one element separating from the flight and a successive motor started as the separation takes place, thus continuing the flight without the element whose motor is spent.

Another and further object of the invention is the provision of such an aerial toy having a succession of windup motors on respective air-borne elements of the toy with a resilient kick-oil member held in a restrained position until released by the unwinding of the wind-up motor.

Another and still further object of the invention is the provision of such an aerial toy having separable airborne flight elements, a propeller wind-up motor for each flight element, a control mechanism for starting one propeller Wind-up motor to cause the toy to become airborne, and a second control mechanism to release one flight element and cause its propeller wind-up motor to start operating and at substantially the same time to cause the discarding of a flight element as its propeller wind-up motor runs down.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of such an aerial toy having releasable resilient means under tension for giving an initial flight movement to the airborne aerial toy as a whole, and a resilient mechanism for giving an initial rapid relative flight movement to another element in a flight direction, these resilient mechanisms starting the unwinding of the successive wind-up motors immediately after the separation of the successive aerial elements.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of such an air-borne aerial toy having a plurality of coacting flight elements having wind-up propellers and means for successively placing the wind-up motors in operation, with blades for resisting rotation by the propeller windup motor when in flight.

Other and further objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the complete specification.

Referring to the drawing wherein I have disclosed details of my invention,

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of my invention showing a two-flight-element structure.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the structure shown in FIG. 1 but taken at 90 from FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a part of the toy showing the upper element, FIG. 2*, being ejected from contact with the structure of FIG. 2, just as the wind-up propeller of FIG. 2 has started rotating.

FIG. 3 is a fragmental view of the connecting parts between the aerial elements shown in FIG. 2 but with the releasing mechanism held in its inoperative or ready-torelease position before being released as shown in FIG. 2.

3,fl84,475 Patented Apr. 9, 15%63 FIG. 4 is a plan view of the base stationary section shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the aerial toy having three flight elements.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the releasing and starting mechanism which acts to release one propeller wind-up motor as another approaches its unwound condition and give an impulse to the flight element which is to continue the flight.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the parts in positions they occupy just after the release operation.

FIG. 8 is a frargmental view of the connection between the flight element and the launching propeller as shown in FIG. 5.

Similar parts are designated by the same reference characters throughout the specification and drawing.

Referring particularly to the details of FIGS. 1 to 4, thebase member 20 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 and when in use sets on a firm foundation as a sidewalk or street and does not appreciably move during operation. At the ends of the base member are two uprights 21, which are rigid with the base and support the impulse starter. This impulse starter comprises, in the embodiment described, two resilient members such as rubber bands 22, which are attached at their outer ends to the outer sides of the uprights 21.

The first stage or flight element includes a strut 23 and a wing or vane member 23 which when the flight element is in flight, has a tendency to prevent rotation and keeps the flight element in its course. The outer ends 23 of the vane 23 fit loosely in receiving slots 24 located in the upright ends 21. Each resilient member 22 has located at its center a looped member 25 which surrounds the resilient member 22, as in FIG. 2 and is provided with a shank 25*- which in turn is provided with a small loop 25*.

Located at about mid-length of the base member 20 is a lever 26-see FIG. 4. This lever 26 is fulcrumed on a suitable pin 27 and has two outwardly extending reach rods 28 and 29. These reach rods extend under suitable loops 30 and 31 which are rigidly secured to the base 20. The ends of the reach rods 28 and 29 extend from, under, and beyond the loops 30 and 31, an equal distance, so that during the releasing operation as will be later described, their ends will be moved to the loops 30, 31 at substantially the same time.

The lever 26 is provided with a handle 26 which is shown clearly in FIG. 4. This handle is provided with an eye 26 which is connected to a pivoted hook 33. The hook 33 tends to move the handle '26 to the right as shown in FIG. 4 and is connected to a resilient member such as rubber band 30. The resilient band 30 is held at its opposite end by another hook 31 mounted on the base member 20'. The hooks 31 and 33 are so spaced with relation to the length of the band 30 that the tendency is always to move the handle to the right as shown in FIG. 4. In order to temporarily counteract the action of the band 30, I provide a peg 32 which is detachably secured in an opening in the base 212* and in the path of the lever handle 26.

The small loops 25 on the lower ends of the shanks 25 of the loops 25 fit over the extended ends of the respective reach rods 28 and 29', when the parts are as shown in FIG. 4, with the tension member 30 under tension. In order to place the small loops 25 in operative position, it is necessary to place the rubber bands 22 under tension, at the same time pulling the shank 25 toward the base member 20 until the loop 25 may be put over the end of the reach rod 28, or -29 as the case may be. This operation is performed for each of the small loops 25 in order to have the base assembly in condition to perform its aoeaavs 3 function of giving the first starting impulse to the flight assembly.

With the parts in their positions as shown in FIG. 4 and with the releasing pin 32 in its opening, the base assembly is ready for the placing of the flight element 23 in position for flight. To do this, the flight element 23 with its flat controlling member 23 is held above the base in such a position that the lower outer ends 23" of the i'lat controlling members 23 will drop into the slots 24 of the upright members 21. With the parts in these positions, the lower ends of the loops formed by the bands 22 are held by the loops 25 in position below the flat controlling member 23 so that when released, the bands will simultaneously lift the outer ends of the flat controlling member 23 and give a sudden upward lift to the whole flight element and any other flight elements which it may be carrying. In order that the upward thrust may be uniform at both ends of the flat control element 23 it is believed to be obvious that the outer ends of the reach rods 28 and 29 have to project beyond the loops 3% and 3-1 an equal distance, so that when the reach rods 23 and 29 are retracted, the small loops 25 at the bottoms of the shanks 25 will be released at substantially the same time in order that the bands 22 may begin their upward thrust at the same time and give an initial movement to the flight element 23 in a proper direction.

The preparation of the flight element 23 will now be described, reference being made particularly to the lower portions of FIGS. 1 and 5. The lower end of the wind-up motor 35 of the flight element 2-3, is secured to a swivel hook 36 which is rotatably mounted in a bracket 37. The wind-up motor shown is an elastic band, the upper end of which is connected to a hook 38 of special construction which will be later described.

The swivel hook 36 is provided with a bearing member 39 and at its lower end carries the hub of a propeller 40 which when revolved by the wind-up motor 35 and released, causes the flight element to take an upward flight. The pin 27 which has already been described as the fulcrum of the lever 26, and an additional pin 61 are so placed relative to the center of the swivel hook 36 as to have both pins contacted by the blades of the propeller 4!} when the wind-up motor 35 is wound for flight, and the outer ends of the flat control member 23 are let into the slots 24 of the upright members 21 of the base.

When it is desired to release the flight element 23 for flight, it is only necessary to remove the pin 32 from its hole. This releases the lever 26 which is pulled to the right as in FIG. 4. This causes the reach rods 28 and 29 to be retracted and the small loops 25 will be substantially simultaneously disconnected from the outer ends of the reach rods 28, 29 by the action of the loops 3% and 31. This releases the bands 22 which are under tension and the outer ends 23 of the flat control member will be thrust upwardly and the flight element 23 put in flight.

:The hook 38 will now be described. This hook serves in a dual capacity in that it holds the upper end of the wind-up motor band 35 and also releases the mechanism which gives an initial upward relative thrust to the flight element carried by the flight element 23. This second stage or flight element includes a strut identified at 41,

in FIG. and at 42 in FIG. 1.

The hook 38 is of a double hook construction and is shown at the bottom of a flight element 41 of one construction in FIG. 5 and at the bottom of another type of stage or flight element 42 in FIG. 1. The construction and functions being the same for the hook 38 in both forms, a description of one is thought to be sufficient.

Referring to FlGS. l, 2, and 3, the hook 38 has a loop portion at its top which fits in a diagonal slot 43 of a connecting member or sleeve 43 which fits over the top of the flight element 2-3 and is of a size to loosely receive the lower end of the shank of the flight element 41, or '42. The slot 43 which receives the upper horizontal portion 38 of the hook 38 registers with a slot 23 in the flight element 23, as clearly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Extending downwardly and forwardly toward the book ends are two coacting hanger portions 38 which at their lower ends, are bent inwardly across each other as shown at 38 in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. These hook members are bent upwardly and then downwardly as at 38 and at their ends form a pair of hooks 38 to receive the upper loops of the resilient bands 23 as shown in FIG. 5.

An impulse-giving mechanism for giving a flight member an initial velocity has been mentioned. This mechanism will now be described. Referring particularly to FIGS 6 and 7, a long slot 23 is provided in the flight element 23, in which is secured at the bottom of the slot, a spring member 45. This spring member has two spring arms 45 45* which are integrally connected together to form a resilient power impulse construction. At the movable end of the spring member 45 the spring member is turned upwardly to provide the pushing portion of the spring construction. This pushing portion is shown at 45 on FIGS. 6 and 7. At the upper end of this pushing portion 45 is a detent coil 45 which has an extension 45 On the outer end of the extension 45 is a small coil 45 which acts as a pad for pushing upwardly on and ejecting the lower end of the flight member 41 or 42 as the case may be, from the connecting member 43. A slot 43 in the connecting member 43, permits free vertical movement of the wire impulse or ejection member 45 The upper end of the connecting member 43 while it fits the flight element 23 snugly is large enough to permit the lower end of the flight member 41 or 42 to enter and leave freely. When it is desired to set the ejecting or impulse mechanism, and wind the wind-up motor, the first act is to pull downwardly on the spring portion 45 of the spring 45, until the loop 45 may be held between and below the hook portions 38 of the hook 38. When the hook portions 38 are in this low position, the pad or small coil 45 will rest on the top of the flight member 23 and by moving the hook portions 38 together, the coil 45 may be held with the wire spring members 45 and 45 under tension.

With these hook members 38 held together, and the tension bands 35 in place on the hook portions 38 the wind-up motor is wound up by turning the propeller in the opposite direction from that in which it performs a lifting function. This is done while the flight element is not on the base portion. It may be performed by hand or by any well-known winding device, not shown.

As the wind-up motor is wound, the twisting of the bandwill hold the two hook portions 38' close together and when sufliciently wound, will securely hold the coil 45 in the retracted position shown at FIGURE 6. When this is accomplished, the pad member 45 will lie on the top of the flight member 23.

The flight member 42 illustrated in FIG. 1 will now be described. On the lower end of the flight element 42 is mounted a bracket 46 which is attached securely to the flight element 42 and is provided with an outwardly extending arm 46 A bearing 47 is provided, through which the extension of the winding book 48 extends. On the end of the winding hook 48 is located the hub of the propeller 49, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The hook 48 is held with a tendency to force the propeller 49 against the bracket arm 46 by the tension in the resilient wind-upmotor band 5! which is attached at the upper end of the hook 48. The opposite end of the wind-up band 50 is attached to a hook 51 which is securely fastened to the upper end of the flight member 42 as clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. An arrow point 52 is provided at the upper end of the flight member 42 by slotting the flight member 42 a sufficient distance to secure the same in place.

In order to control the flight of the flight element 42, there is provided a flat control member- 42 which is thin and has little wind resistance It is located in the same plane as the axis of movement of the flight element 42.

The connecting member 43 is provided with a slot 43 extending at right angles to the slot 43 which is provided for the reception of the arm 46 of the bracket 46. This slot 43* and the slot 43 hold the flight element 42 from rotation during the time of its take-01f from the flight element 23.

It is to be noted that in illustrating this invention,

.the flight element 42 and its connecting parts perform as the first element to be separated in the form shown in FIG. 1 and as the second part to be separated in FIG. 5. In other words, the flight element 42 may be used with a two part or a three part construction.

I will now describe my invention as a whole. First, the handle 26 is swung to the left as shown in FIG. 4, and the holding pin 32 inserted in its opening. The resilient bands 22 are next placed under tension. To do this, the band 22 is stretched over the top of the upright member 21 to which it is attached and the shank 25 pulled down until the small loop 25 may be placed over the outer end of the reach rod 28 or 29 as the, case may be. This is done with the band 22 at each of the base section. When this is done, the impulse starting mechanism is ready for the setting in place of a flight element and the resilient band 30 is ready to release the bands 22 for action when the time comes.

The flight element 23 is now prepared for operation. First, the spring member 45 is pulled back so as to bring the pad member 45 down until it rests on the top of the flight member 23. This will bring the detent coil 45 to a place where it may be received between the hook members 38 This detent coil 45 is held in position between the hook members 38 while the propeller motor is turned in a direction counter to the opera tive direction. This counter revolution of the propeller is continued until such time as the resilient band 35 is tight enough on the hook members 38 to hold their ends together against the resiliency of the hook members 38 and the tendency of the coil detent to be raised under the influence of the spring members 45"- and 45 The winding operation is continued until the windup motor band 35 is sufliciently wound. While in this condition, the propeller 40 is held against rotation while the ends 23 are let down into the slots 24. As the ends approach the bottoms of the respective slots 24, the propeller blades will be brought within the influence of the two pins 27 and 61, which are so placed that they will prevent rotation of the propeller 40. The flight element 23 and its associated mechanisms are now ready for operation. The flight element 41 is next made ready for use.

The first step is to pull down its spring member 45 as illustrated, from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the position shown in FIG. 6, as already described for the identical mechanism at the top of the flight element 23, until the detent coil 45 can be brought between the hook members 38 With these parts 38 and 45 so held, the propeller 41*, which is shown as being similar to but smaller than the propeller 40, is wound counter to the direction of operative rotation, to Wind the wind-up motor 41 for the propeller 41 When the tension is sufficient 'in the motor band 41 to hold the hook members 38 together against their own tendency to separate and the tendency of the spring members 45 and 45", to draw the coil detent 45 upwardly, the pressure on the hook members 38 may be released and the counter winding continued until the motor 41* is fully Wound.

The flight element 41 now has its lower portion applied to the upper portion of the flight element 23. The lower edges adjacent the center, are inserted in the slot 43 while the main body of the lower end of the flight 6 element 41 is inserted in the larger slot 43 provided for this end and the bracket 46.

As already stated, the connecting devices at the bottom of the flight element 41 and those of the flight element 42 are the same. The flight element 42 shown as the second element of FIG. 1 and the third flight element of FIG. 5, will now be described.

As already described, the connecting member 43 and its coacting parts, at the top of flight element 23 are the same as the connecting member 43 at the top of flight element 41 so that the description of the application of the flight element 42 will apply to both FIGS. 1 and 5.

The flight element 41 is held while its motor member 50 is turned counter to the operative direction until the elastic motor member 50 is fully wound. With the propeller 49 held as by hand, against turning, the flight element is applied to the connecting member 43 at the top of the flight member 23 or 41 as the case may be. This is done by lowering the lower end of the flight element 42 into the connecting member by using the slots 43 and 43*. The propeller 49 is kept from turning when re leased, by engagement with the lower end of the connecting member 43, in either case.

The parts are now in readiness for flight and will now be described for the disclosure of FIG. 1. The whole structure is first placed on a firm foundation as on a hard surface with the base member 20 in substantially horizontal position. The flight members 23 and 42 are swung to a substantially vertical position unless sloped to one side or the other for windage compensation.

The next act is to remove the pin 32 from its opening in the base member 20. This permits a quick movement of the lever 26 due to the contraction of the band 30. The turning of the lever 26 causes the retraction of the reach rods 28 and 29 which action causes the simultane ous release of the small loops 25 The loops of the motor members 22- which pass under the extension ends 23 of the control members 23 come into action and the Whole flight assembly rises into flight.

But as soon as the propeller 40 rises to a position where it clears the pins 27 and 61, the propeller 40 is free to turn and as it turns, the air reaction lifts the whole assembly into the air and the flight has fully begun-first with the upward impulse of the motor members 22 and the continuing lifting action by the propeller 40.

At some time, the rising movement of the flight assembly will have a tendency to slow down due to the unwinding of the motor member 35. When this takes place, and before the flight is slowed too much, the unwinding action of the motor 35 will slacken the tension on the hook members 38 When the resiliency of these hook members 38 plus the spring action of the springs 45 and 45 overcome the contracting action of the hook members 38-, the latter Will separate and release the coil detent 45 The release of the coil detent 45 causes the upward thrust of the spring members 45 and 45 with the result that the coil pad member 45 beneath the lower end of the flight element 42 is suddenly force upwardly and an upward relative movement is given the flight element 42. This causes the release of the propeller 49* as the flight element 42 as a whole rises and permits the propeller 49 to clear the connecting member 43. The releasing of the propeller 49, places the flight element 42 and its connected parts in full flight. When the motor 59 is fully unwound,

the flight element 42 falls to earth.

them together. The flight element -41 is then placed on the top of flight element 23 as described for flight element 42 in FIG. 1. The application of the flight element 41 is made as described for the connection of the flight element 42 for flight.

When the pin 32 is removed, the flight assembly is lifted as already described. When the motor 35 is nearly spent and unwound, the spring members 45* and 45 release the coil detent 45 and the flight assembly comprising the flight elements 41 and 42 take off leaving the fiight element 23' and its connected parts to fall to the ground.

When the motor 41 is spent and unwound, the flight element 42 will leave the flight element 41 and go higher while the flight element 41 will fall to the ground. When the motor is spent and unwound, the flight element 42 falls to the ground and the flight is over.

In some of the figures, some of the details have been omitted for clearness of illustration but it is believed a clear and full disclosure has been made.

In the claims, the term normally is to be interpreted with reference to the assembled flight stages ready for and capable of flight, just prior to launching. Alternatively the term may be interpreted with reference to the as sembled flight stages during flight but prior to separation of the rearward stage.

It is to be understood that while the embodiment of the invention herein disclosed has been set forth in detail in the specification and drawing, modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and within its scope as claimed.

Having described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In an aerial flight instrument, first and second discrete flight stages, means separably connecting said stages for flight as a unit, spring means carried by one said stage and engaging the other, .to urge said stages into separation, latch means carried solely by said first stage normally releasably engaging and holding said spring means against action separating said stages, first propulsion power means carried by said first stage and connected with said latch means, second propulsion power means carried by said second stage, said first propulsion power means releasing said latch means in response to decrease in potential energy in free flight of said stages as a unit, to render said spring means effective in separaticn of said stages, and abutting means carried by said first stage and engaging said second propulsion power means to hold the latter against operation, said second propulsion power means being rendered operative by separation of said stages.

2. An aerial flight instrument comprising, first and second discrete flight stages, means releasably connecting said stages for flight as a unit, spring means carried by said first stage, said spring means directly engaging and urging said second stage forwardly in the flight direction relatively to said first stage, latch means carried by said first stage and engaging and holding said spring means against action separating said stages, an air propeller journaled on said first stage, and resilient band propulsion means carried by said first stage and connected between said propeller and said latch means to effect release of said spring means in response to decrease in potential energy in said resilient band propulsion means.

3. In an aerial flight device, first and second discrete flight stages, a first propeller journaled on said first stage, rubber band propulsion means connected at one end with said first propeller to rotate the same, means separably connecting said first and second stages for flight as a unit, spring means carried by said first stage, said spring means directly engaging said second stage to urge the latter forwardly into separation, latch means carried by said first stage and movable from a first position engaging and holding said spring means against action separating said stages, to a second position freeing said spring means for action, saidpropulsion means being connected at its other end with said latch means and normally holding the same in saidfirst position, said propulsion means releasing said latch means for movement to said second position in response to drop in potential energy in said propulsion means.

4. In an amusement flight device, first and second flight stages, sleeve means fixed with the forward end of said first stage, a part fixed with said second stage and releasably fitting said sleeve means, a spring carried by said first stage and having a part slidably fitting said sleeve means for movement aixally therealong, said spring being tensioned by and in response to insertion of said part fixed with said second stage into said sleeve means, latch means carried by said first stage and movable from a first position holding said spring tensioned, to a second position freeing said spring for action impelling said second stage forwardly clear of said first stage, a propeller journaled on said first stage, and resilient band propulsion meansinterconnected between said propeller and said latch means and, when tensioned, holding said latch means in said first position, said propulsion means effect- -in-g movement of said latch means to said second position in response to decrease in potential energy therein.

5. In an aerial flight device, first and second flight stages, sleeve means fixed with the forward end of said first stage, a part fixed with said second stage and releasably fitting said sleeve means, propulsion means carried by said first stage and including a propeller and a rubber band element having one end connected with said propeller to spin the same, spring means connected with said first stage and tensionable by and in response to insertion of said second stage part into said sleeve means, latch means carried by said first stage and springurged from a first position holding said spring means tensioned, to a second position releasing said spring means to expel said part from said sleeve means, said rubber band element being connected atits other end with said latch means to hold the same in said first position by and in response to twist-tension therein, and releasing the same in response to untwisting of said element.

6. An aerial flight toy comprising first and second discret-estages including first and second struts, respectively,

first and second wings each fixed to a respective strut, a sleeve secured .to and projecting forwardly from the forward end of said first strut, said second strut having a rearward end adapted to removably fit said sleeve, spring means having a part movable longitudinally with in said sleeve between retracted and forward positions, said spring means being tensioned by insertion of said second strut into said sleeve, a propeller bracket fixed with the rearward end of said first strut, a propeller journaled in said bracket, latch means carried at the forward end of said first strut and comprising a pair of laterally-spaced arms spring-urged apart, endless rubber band power means connected at one end with said propeller and at its other end passing over and about said pair of arms to hold the same together when twist-tensioned, said arms when together, engaging and holding said spring means retracted and releasing the same in response to separation of said arms.

7. A flight toy as in claim 6, a second propeller journaled on said second strut at .the rearward end thereof, resilient band power means carried by said second strut and connected with said second propeller to urge the same into rotation, said second propeller normally being held against rotation only by engagement with said sleeve.

8. In an aerial flight device, first and second discrete flight stages, a first propeller journaled on said first stage, rubber band propulsion means connected at one end with said first propeller to rotate the same, means separably connecting said first and second stage-s for flight as a unit, spring means carried by one said stage and engaging the other said stage to urge said stages into separation, latch means carried by said first stage and movable from a first position engaging and holding said spring means against action separating said stages, to a second position freeing said spring means for action, said propulsion means being connected at its other end with said latch means and normally holding the same in first position, said propulsion means releasing said latch means for movement to said second position in response to drop in potential energy in said propulsion means, a second propeller journaled on said second stage, power propulsion means carried by said second stage and connected with said second propeller to rotate the same, abutment means eifective when said stages are connected, to en gage and prevent rotation of said second propeller, said abutment means clearing said second propeller by and in response to separation of said stages to eifcct operation of said second propeller.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS McBride June 24, 1930 Grady Nov. 30, 1937 Beckman May 14, 1940 Schmid Oct. 6, 1953 Coleman et al Apr. 20, 1954 Walker May 17, 1955 Krinsky Feb. 7, 1956 Holt Aug. 27, 1957 McKinney Aug. 5, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain June 30, 1937 France Jan. 4, 1938 France Oct. 6, 1954 

1. IN AN AERIAL FLIGHT INSTRUMENT, FIRST AND SECOND DISCRETE FLIGHT STAGES, MEANS SEPARABLY CONNECTING SAID STAGES FOR FLIGHT AS A UNIT, SPRING MEANS CARRIED BY ONE SAID STAGE AND ENGAGING THE OTHER, TO URGE SAID STAGES INTO SEPARATION, LATCH MEANS CARRIED SOLELY BY SAID FIRST STAGE NORMALLY RELEASABLY ENGAGING AND HOLDING SAID SPRING MEANS AGAINST ACTION SEPARATING SAID STAGES, FIRST PROPULSION POWER MEANS CARRIED BY SAID FIRST STAGE AND CONNECTED WITH SAID LATCH MEANS, SECOND PROPULSION POWER MEANS CARRIED BY SAID SECOND STAGE, SAID FIRST PROPULSION POWER MEANS RELEASING SAID LATCH MEANS IN RESPONSE TO DECREASE IN POTENTIAL ENERGY IN FREE FLIGHT OF SAID STAGES AS A UNIT, TO RENDER SAID SPRING MEANS EFFECTIVE IN SEPARATION OF SAID STAGES, AND ABUTTING MEANS CARRIED BY SAID FIRST STAGE AND ENGAGING SAID SECOND PROPULSION POWER MEANS TO HOLD THE LATTER AGAINST OPERATION, SAID SECOND PROPULSION POWER MEANS BEING RENDERED OPERATIVE BY SEPARATION OF SAID STAGES. 